load level

[DGerth]

Gentlemen,
I have a Host camper @4500# on a 2013 3500 dually. Would like a bit more stability and less roll. What would yall suggest, Air bags or Stabil load setup to accomplish this? Tks for the input.

 

[lpennock]

The stable loads will control roll better that air bags. Air bags are mounted in board of the frame so there isn't as much moment arm available to control roll as something that mounts outboard like the stable loads.

Air bags will allow you to fine tune ride height.

I went through the same thing on my 06 and found I didn't even need bags after I did stable loads. On my 18 I had factory air and had to add a sway bar to get up to the roll control I had on my 06.

If you have upper overload springs I would use the A7200 that replace the overload bumpstops rather than the A7311 set that go on the thick leaf that is at the bottom of the spring pack. The extended bump stop allows the spring packs to operate as designed and doesn't place strange loads on the leafs.

 

[AH64ID]

Upper overloads, Big Wig anti-sway bar, and then airbags.

I am a big fan of airbags too. If you only use the camper on rare occasions airbags and a Big Wig might be better empty.

Airbags will add some stability, as long as they are plumbed independently but you’ll likely get more performance from stable loads.

I don’t like the lower stable loads as they put a lot of stress on the lower springs where there shouldn’t be stress. Sure Torklift warranties the springs, but think about why they are warranting a product they don’t make.

 

[mpaulson]

I agree with the above post. I basically have my own homemade version of the Torklift A7000's, Hellwig bigwig rear sway bar and Firestone 7500 lb air bags (plumbed separately)to stabilize my top heavy boat up on top of my truck and it works well. At 10,450 lbs on the rear axle of the truck it handles very well. The boat and trailer weigh 2,100 lbs and that's all above the cab. Very similar load characteristics of a large slide in camper.

 

[gsbrockman]

I thought air bags were in the steering wheel, dashboard, headliners, and seats.

 

[lpennock]

The seats only have Hot air bags.

 

[grabinov]

I agree with the above post. I basically have my own homemade version of the Torklift A7000's, Hellwig bigwig rear sway bar and Firestone 7500 lb air bags (plumbed separately)to stabilize my top heavy boat up on top of my truck and it works well. At 10,450 lbs on the rear axle of the truck it handles very well. The boat and trailer weigh 2,100 lbs and that's all above the cab. Very similar load characteristics of a large slide in camper.

Holy Cow that picture is awesome - I assume it is the "boat on the roof" you're talking about. Man! How do you get it down???

 

[mpaulson]

Holy Cow that picture is awesome - I assume it is the "boat on the roof" you're talking about. Man! How do you get it down???

Back end drops to just above the tailgate hydraulically and I have ramps under the boat that I pull out and connect, pull two 3/4" turnbuckles off the back and two 1/2" bolts on the frame in the middle, then with a wireless remote on an 8000lb winch, I winch it down, hook up to the truck and go to the boat launch like a "normal" man. I've done this for two reasons, one so that I don't need to take two vehicles on holidays and our neighbouring province of BC doesn't allow you to pull two trailers there, so I went up instead of out(longer).

 

[TFucili]

I thought air bags were in the steering wheel, dashboard, headliners, and seats.

You meant behind the steering wheel???